Safe and reliable homestay accommodation is vital to every international student. Discover how Pakuranga College helps students find their home away from home while in New Zealand.
Why Homestay Accommodation?
Homestay accommodation is a fantastic choice for international students because it provides an opportunity to live with a local Kiwi whānau (family). Living away from home can be a little nerve-wracking, so living with a local whānau gives you a safe space to explore what Auckland has to offer. Find your home away from home in the community and get a whole bunch of benefits:
- Cultural Immersion: Living with a local family gives you the chance to immerse yourself in Kiwi culture. You’ll get to try traditional New Zealand dishes, participate in local activities, and celebrate holidays the Kiwi way.
- Improved Language Skills: If you’re looking to improve your English language skills, there’s no better way than to converse daily with native speakers. Homestay hosts are excellent language mentors.
- Safety and Support: Pakuranga College carefully selects and screens homestay families to ensure the safety and comfort of their international students. You’ll have a support system in place to help you navigate any challenges you might face.
- Local Insights: Your host family can provide invaluable local insights on where to go, what to do, and how to make the most of your time in New Zealand.
My homestay family has been so welcoming, I’ve absolutely felt at home and I know I’ll stay in touch when I return to France. The highlight of my time here was going to a Blues game at Eden Park with my host family, after they discovered that my family back home is rugby-mad. I’ve also had lots of fun supporting the Pakuranga College rugby teams every weekend.
I’ve really enjoyed my time here – I’ve met some great people, made wonderful memories, and my English has improved a lot.
Gabrielle, France
What to Expect in a Homestay
Living with a Kiwi family is a unique experience, so let us tell you what to expect in a typical homestay at Pakuranga College:
- Accommodation: You’ll enjoy having privacy in your own room with a desk for schoolwork, plus access to fibre internet for keeping in touch with family.
- Meals: Our homestay families provide three meals a day, plus snacks. This is an excellent opportunity to taste traditional Kiwi dishes while sharing meals and stories with your hosts.
- Support: Your host family will be there to help you with any questions or concerns, and our dedicated homestay coordinators will also be available to assist you throughout your stay.
- Rules and Expectations: Just like at home, it’s important to respect the rules and expectations set by your host family, which may include curfews, chores, and any specific house rules.
I had an amazing time here in New Zealand, thanks to my new friends and my homestay family. My host parents have been very kind and relaxed, they have supported me throughout my experience. We started communicating even before my arrival and since the first hour here they have helped me and cared about me.
They have introduced me to different traditions and cooked me delicious meals. The best dish is my host mum’s Sunday roast dinner and one day every week I cook them Italian dishes.
Egle, Italy
Tips for a Successful Homestay Experience
To ensure a positive and fulfilling homestay experience, consider these tips:
- Open Communication: Keep an open line of communication with your host family. If you have any concerns or questions, don’t hesitate to ask.
- Respect Cultural Differences: Be open-minded and respectful of cultural differences. What might be normal in your home country may not be the same in New Zealand.
- Participate Actively: Engage with your host family and participate in family activities to make the most of your time.
- Give Back: Offer to help and maybe even cook a meal from your home country to share with your host family.
Homestay accommodation at Pakuranga College is more than just a place to stay – it’s a window to the heart of New Zealand’s culture. Your Kiwi homestay family is waiting to welcome you with open arms!
This is my first time living away from home and I’m really enjoying my homestay. I’m staying in a house with two other Pakuranga College international students – a girl from Italy and a girl from Brazil – and we hang out every day. It’s great, like having siblings! It keeps me busy and I don’t have time to miss home too much. We go to the shopping mall at Botany, or the gym, and watch movies together. It’s nice to have others in a similar situation to talk with.
Olivia, Germany
